The Executive Search Group (ESG) at the University of Virginia seeks a collaborative, strategic, and intellectually curious Search Consultant or Senior Search Consultant to lead executive and senior leadership searches across the University. ESG operates as a retained in-house executive search firm serving the University’s academic enterprise, health system, and affiliated foundations.
We are seeking a passionate, experienced individual to fill the search consultant role. This position may be filled at either the Search Consultant or Senior Search Consultant level. Placement will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, and demonstrated expertise.
Search Consultants have the opportunity to partner with senior leaders, search committees, and colleagues across a complex, mission-driven institution to identify and recruit exceptional leadership talent. The consultant will manage full-cycle executive searches, serving as a trusted advisor to hiring officials, committees, and candidates alike, guiding high-stakes processes with diplomacy and credibility, and ensuring an exceptional experience for everyone involved. This position offers a hybrid work environment following the University's flex-work policies. All team members must have access to and maintain a secure home office environment with high-speed internet service and be able to work collaboratively with others using a variety of technologies and tools. Regular in-person presence is required for candidate interviews and other search-related meetings.
The successful candidate will thrive in a highly collaborative environment, demonstrate excellent judgment and communication skills, and possess the ability to navigate ambiguity, shifting priorities, and evolving stakeholder needs with professionalism and discretion. They will also value teamwork, foster strong partnerships with ESG colleagues, and contribute to a collegial, inclusive team culture built on trust, mutual respect, and shared success.
Responsibilities
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Lead executive and senior leadership searches from launch through successful completion across the University, health system, and affiliated foundations.
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Partner with university leaders and search committees to develop position descriptions, candidate profiles, and tailored search strategies.
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Conduct stakeholder engagement and listening sessions to understand organizational priorities, leadership needs, and institutional culture.
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Identify, research, recruit, and engage highly qualified nationwide candidates from a broad range of professional and academic backgrounds.
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Develop and execute proactive outreach strategies, including sourcing, networking, and solicitation of nominations and referrals.
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Serve as thought partner to search chairs; conduct regular check-ins on search progress, candidate pool development, and communication strategies for stakeholders.
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Manage candidate communications and cultivate strong relationships throughout the search process to ensure a high-quality candidate experience.
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In partnership with Recruiting Associate colleagues, design and coordinate multi-stage interview processes, including virtual and in-person interviews, stakeholder meetings, and committee deliberations.
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Conduct reference checks and support offer development and negotiation processes.
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Collaborate closely with ESG colleagues and campus partners to ensure efficient, thoughtful, and equitable search processes.
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Model a team-oriented approach by cultivating strong working relationships, supporting ESG colleagues, and contributing to a collegial, respectful, and high-performing workplace culture.
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Utilize systems and tools such as Workday, Qualtrics, LinkedIn, and related platforms to support search execution, reporting, and communication.
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Develop and maintain strong understanding of UVA structures and culture, including shared governance and institutional priorities, as well as search-related best practices.
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Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism, integrity, and customer service.
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Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Skills
The ideal candidate will have relevant work experience and a demonstrated commitment to collaboration and service excellence. They will be motivated by mission-driven work in higher education and healthcare, and they will be guided by strong ethics and integrity. They will be energized by the opportunity to contribute to the success of a small, collaborative team. Additionally, they will have:
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Progressive experience in executive search, talent acquisition, recruitment, higher education, healthcare, consulting, or a related field.
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Demonstrated adaptability and comfort operating in dynamic and/or ambiguous environments, exercising sound judgment and maintaining confidentiality to navigate complex situations with discretion.
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Strong emotional intelligence with demonstrated ability to build relationships and work collaboratively to engage and support a wide range of stakeholders at all levels of the organization with diplomacy, humility, and a service orientation.
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Exceptional interpersonal, communication (both written and verbal), and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines.
Minimum Qualifications:
Search Consultant Recruitment Professional 2
Education: High School diploma.
Experience: Two (2) years relevant experience.
Senior Search Consultant Recruitment Professional 3
Education: High School diploma.
Experience: Five (5) years relevant experience.
Physical Demands: This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs.
Preferred Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience: At least 3-5y of relevant experience conducting executive or senior-level searches in higher education, healthcare, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizations, with increasing responsibility and demonstrated expertise. Proficiency with applicant tracking systems and talent acquisition technologies, such as Workday, LinkedIn Recruiter, and Qualtrics.
This position will consider candidates with varying levels of experience, and will assess final role assignment and salary commensurate to the finalist's qualifications.
This is a restricted position and is contingent upon department need and availability of funding.
This is an exempt-level, benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits. This position is located in Charlottesville, VA, and may provide an option to work in a hybrid environment.
For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.
This position will not be able to provide consideration for candidates who require sponsorship at this time. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
Application review will begin after August 10.
How to Apply
Please apply online, and search for R0085392. Complete an application online with the following documents:
Upload all materials into the resume submission field; multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.
References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A minimum of three is required.
For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Ashley Cochran at [email protected].
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
